Enjoy a relaxing break on the beautiful English Riviera, staying in the popular seaside resort of Torquay. With included excursions to Sidmouth, Exmouth and Plymouth, plus free time to explore at leisure, this is a wonderful way to discover the best of Devon’s coast.
Leaving South Wales in the morning, we travel south west, stopping for a lunchtime break in Taunton, the county town of Somerset. With plenty of places to enjoy a bite to eat, along with a good selection of shops, it makes a charming first stop to begin your holiday.
From Taunton, it is just over an hour to the Riviera Hotel in Torquay, where you will check in for your four-night stay. Situated just 200 yards from the seafront, this welcoming seaside hotel offers carvery-style evening meals, full English breakfasts each morning, nightly entertainment in the Show Bar, and an indoor swimming pool.
Torquay is a fabulous holiday destination with plenty to enjoy. The beach is just a short walk away, while the marina, lined with café bars and home to a glorious array of yachts, offers speedboat rides and ferry trips across to Brixham. When the sun is shining, it is the perfect place to sit back with a cup of tea, coffee, or something a little cooler.
The town also offers a range of traditional shops, and with the land train stopping right outside the hotel, it is easy to explore without too much walking.
The Riviera Hotel is a great choice for a relaxing short break or a longer seaside escape. Just a few minutes’ walk from the English Riviera’s Blue Flag beach, it is close to a wide choice of bars, restaurants, shops, and seafront attractions. The hotel also boasts newly refurbished rooms, carvery-style evening meals, and entertainment each night in the Show Bar.
Before booking: The Riviera Hotel is a large hotel, so if you would prefer a room closer to reception and the restaurant, please let us know at the time of booking. For guests with limited mobility, we recommend reading the hotel’s access statement before booking, available at: https://www.rivieratorquay.co.uk/access-statement. You are also welcome to contact us to discuss any special requirements.
Our full-day excursion takes us across to East Devon, where our first stop is the beautiful seaside town of Sidmouth. Nestled beneath majestic red cliffs, with the green hills of the Sid Valley as its backdrop, this charming town is a lovely place to explore. Highlights include the Connaught Gardens, the seafront, and Jacob’s Ladder, while the stylish eateries and bustling town centre add to Sidmouth’s enduring appeal.
From here, we continue to Exmouth, another vibrant seaside town on Devon’s east coast, where the River Exe meets the sea. Reputed to be the oldest seaside resort in Britain, Exmouth boasts two miles of golden sand, giving it the longest seafront in Devon and Cornwall. It is a wonderful place for a gentle seaside stroll.
During our visit, we include a Devon Cream Tea cruise along the calm and sheltered waters of the nationally renowned River Exe. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a delicious Devon cream tea, complete with generous cream and strawberry jam, served the traditional Devon way and accompanied by freshly brewed tea or coffee.
Today, we visit Plymouth, Britain’s famous Ocean City. Our morning begins in the historic Barbican area, home to the Mayflower Steps, independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Nearby Plymouth Hoe offers beautiful open green space and wonderful views across the water, making it a lovely place to watch the ships come and go.
For those who enjoy shopping, the city centre offers a more modern contrast, including Drake Circus Shopping Centre. Alternatively, you may prefer to spend more time enjoying the character and atmosphere of the Barbican.
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Torquay. You may wish to relax at the hotel and make use of the indoor swimming pool, or take a gentle stroll along the seafront.
For an easy way to explore, the land train stops close to the hotel and calls at popular locations including the town centre and Torre Abbey. For those wanting to venture a little further, the ferry to Brixham offers a lovely way to see more of the English Riviera.
After breakfast, it is time to begin our journey home. We will make a lunchtime stop along the way, allowing you to enjoy one final break before arriving back in South Wales later that evening.
We have a number of pick up points available for this break as shown below...
The following room types are available at the hotel:
